CFVT – Vol 1 Chapter 5 Part 3 – There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Youth

Since my problem was resolved surprisingly quickly, we continued talking about youth.

“And one more thing I’d like to tell Rui-kun and all the viewers. Those sparkling youthful days you see in manga and movies—it’s actually rare for people to experience them.” (Kazuo)

“…Really?” (Rui)

“Yeah. In this era, social media just makes it easier to peek into others’ lives… but there are plenty of people who spend their time alone. To be honest, I was mostly alone during my student days.” (Kazuo)

I see… Andou-sensei seems quiet, but he doesn’t give off any sort of “loner” vibe. Hearing this, Mochi gave a mischievous smile.

“Really? Sensei, you seem like you’d be popular, though.” (Mochi)

“Haha, back then, studying was the most enjoyable thing for me. Because of that, I believe it shaped who I am today, so I don’t regret it.” (Kazuo)

“That’s amazing…”  (Rui)

For me, just remembering my dark school days gives me a headache. Will my perception change when I grow older?

“Well, Mochi is in the middle of her youth too, but I often prioritize going to fortune-telling over hanging out with everyone, so I spend most of my time alone.” (Mochi)

“Is that okay…?” (Rui)

“Yes, there are many ways to spend one’s youth. There is no correct way to experience it.” (Kazuo)

Comments:『There is no correct way to experience youth, huh?』

Comments:『Sensei’s words are deep.』

Comments:『I feel a bit relieved.』

Comments:『Well, we can’t turn back time.』

Sensei’s words lightened my heart a little… I’m sure some viewers felt the same way.

“But since you want to reclaim your youth, Rui Rui… shall we start thinking about what we can do for your ‘Youth Recapture Party’ that we talked about before?” (Mochi)

“Ah, I guess we haven’t really discussed the details yet…” (Rui)

“Haha. Shall I join in too?” (Kazuo)

Thus, the three of us started discussing the contents of the ‘Youth Recapture Party’ session. Mochi started off the conversation with a thoughtful expression.

“Hmm. But there are different genres of youth, right?” (Mochi)

“Genres…?” (Rui)

“Yeah. Like what Rui Rui mentioned earlier, performing at a school festival is the kind of youth where you work together with friends to achieve something. A classic example would be aiming to win a club tournament.” (Mochi)

Here, Andou-sensei also chimed in.

“Casual everyday moments are also part of youth. The sunlight streaming through classroom windows, the sound of chalk, mundane conversations. The after-school performances of the brass band echoing in the background, and finding secret empty classrooms…” (Kazuo)

“Wait, don’t the two of you know a lot about this!?” (Rui)

Comments:『LOL』

Comments:『Their description of youth is so detailed.』

Comments:『Well, they are a teacher and a student.』

Comments:『They’re right in the middle of their youth.』

It’s true that both of them are characters set to be attending school… No, it’s better not to delve too deeply into that. Andou-sensei is Andou-sensei, and Mochi is Mochi, after all.

“Ah, and of course, we can’t forget about romance! Just falling in love is a huge part of youth, isn’t it?” (Mochi)

“Romance, huh…” (Rui)

It’s true that the word ‘youth’ almost always brings up the idea of romance… it’s like the fries that come with a fast food meal…

“I do have that kind of longing too, but I feel like there’s a difference between yearning for romance and actually being in love with someone. Though, I guess it’s funny coming from someone like me who’s never dated before.” (Rui)

As I said this, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. Mochi, watching me, gradually changed to a slightly more serious expression.

“No, Rui Rui, I think that’s a wonderful perspective. But… maybe you could be a little more self-confident?” (Mochi)

“Self-confident?” (Rui)

“Yeah. Instead of thinking ‘there’s no one who likes me’, wouldn’t it be more fun to think ‘maybe this person likes me’? That’s how romance starts, you know?” (Mochi)

“I see…” (Rui)

That might be an interesting perspective. But for someone like me, who didn’t have a single friend, let alone a lover, there’s no way anyone would like me…

“……” (Mochi)

…Wait, why am I suddenly thinking of Ayaka’s face right now!?

Comments:『A wizard learning about romance from middle schoolers』

Comments:『I’m impressed with how serious Rui is.』

Comments:『But I think Rui is popular, isn’t he?』

Comments:『Maybe he’s dense.』

The comment section started to get rowdy, but I decided to put that aside for now. Sensei skillfully wrapped things up.

“Well, putting aside romance, there are members in [SkySun] who play in bands, participate in gaming tournaments, and there’s even a studio modeled after a school. It’s a relatively conducive environment for experiencing youth. Of course, it will require some initiative from you, Rui-kun.” (Kazuo)

“That’s true… Understood. Thank you, Sensei! I’ll do my best to reclaim my lost youth!” (Rui)

“Wow, that’s quite a line, isn’t it?” (Mochi)

“Haha, please do your best. And if you’d like, I’m more than willing to help… Feel free to invite me anytime.” (Kazuo)

“Yes! …Wait, isn’t the screen shaking!?” (Rui)

At that moment, I noticed the background of the stream was shaking. I had a feeling it wasn’t a streaming accident but rather part of the production, but even so, seeing the screen suddenly shake was startling.

“Ah, it seems like spacetime is distorting again. Perhaps we’re reconnecting to Rui-kun’s world?” (Kazuo)

“So… it’s time to say goodbye, Rui Rui. It was fun, wasn’t it?” (Mochi)

Checking the time displayed on the laptop, it showed that an hour had passed since the start. In other words… the program was about to end soon.

“I see… I wish I could have talked with the both of you more… but saying goodbye is also part of youth, right?” (Rui)

Comments:『LOL』

Comments:『LOL』

Comments:『Yeh sure, why not』

Comments:『You’re not that kind of character lol』

Comments:『Just hurry up and go lmao』

“Yeah. Though, I’m sure we’ll meet again someday.” (Kazuo)

“…Alright! See you later, Sensei! Mochi!” (Rui)

“See you later, Rui Rui!” (Mochi)

While being enveloped in light, a sound effect played, and ‘Rui’ disappeared from the screen…

“…Did he go back?” (Mochi)

“He was an interesting kid, wasn’t he? Even a seemingly powerful wizard like him is chasing after his youth.” (Mochi)

“Perhaps he felt lonely because he was a genius… But he’ll be fine now. He’s realized he can still have his youth starting from now.” (Kazuo)

“…I see. Well then, Sensei, shall we embrace our youth too? Mochi heard that there’s a new arcade near the station, let’s go play together!” (Mochi)

“I can’t do that, Mochi-san. We have a teacher-student relationship.” (Kazuo)

“Hmph, how boring. Sensei’s so stingy. Stubborn as a rock.” (Mochi)

“You can say whatever you want.” (Kazuo)

“Haa… Well then, I think it’s about time for me to head home. I’ve got a ton of science homework waiting for me.” (Mochi)

“Hehe, alright. Take care on your way home, okay?” (Kazuo)

“Okay then, see you, Sensei.” (Mochi)

With the sound of the door opening and closing, Mochi’s figure disappeared. Left alone, Andou-sensei muttered softly to himself.

“Well… For me, just having Mochi-san visiting me allows me to experience youth… Now then, time to focus on one more task.” (Kazuo)

The sound of typing on the keyboard followed, gradually fading away. Meanwhile, [Andou-sensei’s Science Prep Room]’s ending theme played in the backgroumd…

Comments:『Nice!』

Comments:『Good job!』

Comments:『Good stream.』

Comments:『Quite an emotional one, wasn’t it?』

Comments:『It was really heartwarming.』

Comments:『Rui added a nice touch too!』

Comments:『It felt like one of those tear-jerking episodes from a comedy anime.』

👻👻👻

“Didn’t today’s stream go quite smoothly!?” (Rui)

“Yes, it was one of the best we’ve ever done.” (Kazuo)

“Haha, it’s all thanks to the power of youth, right Rui Rui?” (Mochi)

👻👻👻

After the stream ended, we chatted for a bit and exchanged contact information before heading home. Sensei also said, “Feel free to contact me anytime,” and Mochi teased, “If you don’t message me much, I’ll use our chat as a notepad, okay?”

I thanked them both with a smile, bid farewell to the staff, and left the scene. On the way home, I kept checking my messaging app and grinning to myself as I noticed I had two new “friends”. I must have looked like quite a weirdo, but I didn’t mind one bit.

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Thanks for reading!

Maybe the two of them are actually teacher and student irl at one point? Their description was indeed very detailed.

Yeah man, I wonder why Ayaka’s face popped up in his mind.

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